Starter post in wrong position

[Greendot319]

Hi guys,
Just looking through old reference photos from my jeep and I just noticed that the connection post on the starter is in the wrong place, it should be much further back, I can see a hole in the case where it should be (visible in the picture). Has bubba moved the post around or is it a factory done for a different application, wrong starter?



Cheers
Matt

[Wolfman]

Interesting.
I have seen starters with the post on the front, but not on a jeep.
A lot of possibilities ??
Most starter models have the same field house and end plates. The only difference is the front housing that is fastened to the engine or bell housing, type starter drive and direction of rotation.
If it was not for the original hole, I would think some one put a jeep nose end on another style field housing.
In this case, I am thinking, a different field winding has been put into an original field housing.
Does it work ???
Gives you bragging rights ! You can gather your buddies around at the next rally. Point this out and a ask them, " You ever see anything like that before ? "

[Chuck Lutz]

This one has "3326" stamped on it...anyone with an Autolite manual able to look that number up?

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20170322_102610_resized.jpg (147.23 KiB) Viewed 825 times

[Greendot319]

Thats interesting, thanks guys, mine also has some other unusual markings (not sure if it has that number though Chuck) will take photos and post them tomorrow
Matt

[cjv-35]

Looks like Chucks starter motor is the kind that is supposed to have a solenoid mounted on it as the MA had as evidenced by the hole near the main power stud. Is there another hole on the other side Chuck ?

[Chuck Lutz]

The two smaller holes in the first pic at 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock I think are for a riveted on tag. The larger one seen near the pole is threaded and a matching one is in the same position on the other side of the post. Is this an MA starter? It does have the appearance of something that was bolted/screwed to the case at some point in time.

[rjbeamer]

That number 3326 is a Lester rebuild number that equates to a willy's 1942 to 1947 year model.

Roger.

[Joe Gopan]

And Starter Rebuilders have a habit of removing name tags.

[cjv-35]

MA Starter was the same as the MB/GPW type with the exception of the mounted solenoid. Yours has the electrical stud forward as where the MA, MB/GPW was at the rear. Source for above info Electrical section- TM-1186 change no 1 July1,1943 Master Parts List for Willys Trucks and Trailers Models MA 1/4 ton and MB 1/4 ton Trucks and Model MB-T 1/4 Ton Trailer Built for U.S Government -All Contracts From Jan 1, 1940 to July 1, 1943. Possibly for Willys Americar and post war truck and wagon models ?

[Greendot319]

Hi guys,
I opened the starter up and this is what I found, the hole has been filled with a modern silicone and obviously work has gone on in here, first question is what and second question is how can I change it back to make it correct again? Looks like a different type of coil has been used?

Cheers
Matt





Body markings

[Wolfman]

This 6 volt or 12 volt ??
The field winding would have to be replaced with an original to get the stud back on the correct end.
Back to my first question. Does it work ??
If it does, why mess with it ??
Unless you just don't like it.

[Greendot319]

This jeep was running 12V but I think you can run 12v through the 6V starter without any problems, the only problem is if these coils have been changed to 12V? The starter works well on 12V, what i'm thinking to do is to just solder in a new copper bar that will take the connection from the bottom of the coils where it is now and run it down to the correct position, that way externally the starter will look correct and I wont have to go and buy new coils etc.

Matt

[Wolfman]

The grey matter is a bit fuzzy but I remember an alteration that was similar to what you have that converted a 6 volt field to 12.
It left the post on the front end of the starter, where it normally is.
Don't remember the exact details. Maybe some one else can.
A lot of 6 volt starters being run on 12 volt without any problems.
Unless you just can't stand the look, it works. I would leave it.
Most looking under the hood will probably never notice.

[Greendot319]

Can you run a 12v coil starter on 6v though?
cheers
Matt

[Wolfman]

For little while, but the coil will get hot and burn the points pretty fast.
When converting to 12 volt from 6, you either need to put an in line ignition ballast resistor ( a white ceramic piece with a resistor in it ) in the wire going to the coil from the ignition switch or replace the 6 volt coil with a 12 volt coil the does not require a resistor.
The primary winding in a 12 volt coil that does not need a resistor has higher resistance than the 6 volt coil.
Current flow at 12 volts through a higher resistance winding in a 12 volt coil is about the same as 6 volts through a lower resistance 6 volt coil. Same current flow at the points.
12 volts through a 6 volt coil has higher current flow through the coil and at the points because of the lower 6 volt coil resistance so the coil gets hotter and the points burn faster.
Oh. Starter. Yes. The same applies as with the coil. It will work but the starter will heat up faster, so don't stay on the starter button as long.
Clear as mud ??
Coffee is just starting to kick in !